Assessment of New Therapies for Alleviation of Pain in Animals

The assessment of analgesic efficacy for agents used in veterinary clinical practice depends upon well-designed and appropriately controlled experimental clinical trials. The intent of this policy is to support development of analgesic products and strategies in a manner that protects clinical trial subjects.

Appropriate pain thresholds for analgesic rescue therapy, a validated pain scoring system, application of clinical judgment, and appropriate training of study personnel are essential components of a well-designed prospective trial to assess alleviation of pain. In studies involving pain, the AVMA strongly advocates that trial design and personnel training ensure that any animal be rescued from pain at a predetermined pain threshold with an appropriate analgesic.